User interface navigation mechanism and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A user interface navigation mechanism for a non-touch screen display of a computing device includes a vertical tracking input disposed in a front of the computing device in a right margin between a right of the non-touch screen display and a right of the computing device, the vertical tracking input including an up input, a down input, and a vertical selection point; and a horizontal tracking input disposed in the front of the computing device in a bottom margin between a bottom of the non-touch screen display and a bottom of the computing device, the horizontal tracking input including a left input, a right input, and a horizontal selection point; and a main menu input disposed in the front of the computing device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to user interface navigation forcomputing devices and particularly to user interface navigation forwireless communication devices.

BACKGROUND

Touch-screen interfaces are known for computing devices. With atouch-screen interface, a user contacts the screen with one's finger ora stylus to navigate displayed menus and provide input into thecomputing device. Problems with touch-screen interfaces include that thetouch screen can become damaged, scratched, and/or soiled becausecontact with the screen is required to provide input into the computingdevice. Also, touch-screen technology is relatively expensive,increasing the cost of the personal computing device.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, an aspect of the invention involves a user interfacenavigation mechanism that overcomes the problems with touch-screeninterfaces and is intuitive, easy to use, unique, functional, andenhances the user experience.

Another aspect of the invention involves a user interface navigationmechanism for a non-touch screen display of a computing device. Thecomputing device includes a top, a bottom, a left side, a right side, afront, a rear, the non-touch screen display disposed in the front of thecomputing device and including a top, a bottom, a left side, a rightside, and the front of the computing device including a top marginbetween the top of the non-touch screen display and the top of thecomputing device, a bottom margin between the bottom of the non-touchscreen display and the bottom of the computing device, a left marginbetween the left of the non-touch screen display and the left of thecomputing device, and a right margin between the right of the non-touchscreen display and the right of the computing device. The user interfacenavigation mechanism includes a vertical tracking input disposed in thefront of the computing device in the right margin between the right ofthe non-touch screen display and the right of the computing device, thevertical tracking input including an up input, a down input, and avertical selection point; a horizontal tracking input disposed in thefront of the computing device in the bottom margin between the bottom ofthe non-touch screen display and the bottom of the computing device, thehorizontal tracking input including a left input, a right input, and ahorizontal selection point; and a main menu input disposed in the frontof the computing device.

A further aspect of the invention involves a method of processing userinput on a user interface navigation mechanism for a non-touch screendisplay of a computing device. The computing device includes a top, abottom, a left side, a right side, a front, a rear, the non-touch screendisplay disposed in the front of the computing device and including atop, a bottom, a left side, a right side, and the front of the computingdevice including a top margin between the top of the non-touch screendisplay and the top of the computing device, a bottom margin between thebottom of the non-touch screen display and the bottom of the computingdevice, a left margin between the left of the non-touch screen displayand the left of the computing device, and a right margin between theright of the non-touch screen display and the right of the computingdevice, a vertical tracking input disposed in the front of the computingdevice in the right margin between the right of the non-touch screendisplay and the right of the computing device, the vertical trackinginput including an up input, a down input, and a vertical selectionpoint, a horizontal tracking input disposed in the front of thecomputing device in the bottom margin between the bottom of thenon-touch screen display and the bottom of the computing device, thehorizontal tracking input including a left input, a right input, and ahorizontal selection point, and a main menu input disposed in the frontof the computing device. The method includes presenting on the non-touchscreen display a main menu based upon user contact with the main menuinput; moving or navigating vertically through vertical menu items basedupon user contact with the up input and down input of the verticaltracking input to highlight a vertical menu item; selecting thehighlighted vertical menu item based upon user contact with the verticalselection input; moving or navigating horizontally through horizontalmenu items based upon user contact with the left input and right inputof the horizontal tracking input to highlight a horizontal menu item;and selecting the highlighted horizontal menu item based upon usercontact with the horizontal selection input.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewingthe following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of the present invention, both as to its structure andoperation, may be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying drawings,in which like reference numerals refer to like parts.

FIG. 1 is a simplified front elevational view of an embodiment of a userinterface navigation mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of processing user inputon a user interface navigation mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communicationdevice that may be used in connection with various embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system thatmay be used in connection with various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a user interface navigationmechanism and method of use for a wireless communication device will bedescribed. Although the user interface navigation mechanism will bedescribed in conjunction with a wireless communication device, inalternative embodiments, the user interface navigation mechanism is usedwith other computing devices including a display.

After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled inthe art how to implement the invention in various alternativeembodiments and alternative applications. However, although variousembodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it isunderstood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only,and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of variousalternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope orbreadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a user interface navigationmechanism 10 for a computing device such as a wireless communicationdevice 20 will be described. The wireless communication device 20includes a display/monitor/screen (“display”) 30, which is not a touchscreen. Accordingly, input can not be input into wireless communicationdevice 20 via touching or contacting display 30.

Although not shown, wireless communication device 20 includes an antennaand appropriate electronic circuitry and/or software for controlling thewireless functions and other functions described herein.

Wireless communication device 20 includes front 40 with user interfacenavigation mechanism 10 therein. User interface navigation mechanism 10includes vertical tracking input 50 and horizontal tracking input 60.

Vertical tracking input 50 is disposed adjacent to left side edge 70 orright side edge 80 of display 30, along substantially the entire sideedge 70, 80. In the embodiment shown, vertical tracking input 50 isdisposed adjacent to right side edge 80 of display 30, in the rightmargin 90 between right side edge 80 of display 30 and right edge 100 ofwireless communication device 20. Vertical tracking input 50 includes upinput 110, down input 120, and vertical selection point 130, whichenables user input, at a midpoint between up input 110 and down input120. Inputs 110, 120, 130 of vertical tracking input 50 are one or moreof resistive touch sensors, capacitive touch sensors, and inductivetouch sensors. In an alternative embodiment, vertical tracking input 50includes one or more mechanical buttons. In an embodiment of verticaltracking input 50, wireless communication device 20 includes a circuitboard with one or more illumination devices (e.g., LED(s)) andrespective light pipe(s) for illuminating or backlighting verticaltracking input 50. The illumination of vertical tracking input 50 inthis manner visually distinguishes vertical tracking input 50 fromdisplay 30.

Horizontal tracking input 60 is disposed adjacent to top edge 140 orbottom edge 150 of display 30, along substantially entire top/bottomedge 140, 150. In the embodiment shown, horizontal tracking input 60 isdisposed adjacent to bottom edge 150 of display 30, in bottom margin 160between bottom edge 140 of display 30 and bottom edge 170 of wirelesscommunication device 20. Horizontal tracking input 60 includes leftinput 180, right input 190, and horizontal selection point 200, whichenables user input, at a midpoint between left input 180 and right input190. Inputs 180, 190, 200 of horizontal tracking input 60 are one ormore of resistive touch sensors, capacitive touch sensors, and inductivetouch sensors. In an alternative embodiment, horizontal tracking input60 includes one or more mechanical buttons. In an embodiment ofhorizontal tracking input 60, wireless communication device 20 includesa circuit board with one or more illumination devices (e.g., LED(s)) andrespective light pipe(s) for illuminating or backlighting horizontaltracking input 60. The illumination of horizontal tracking input 60 inthis manner visually distinguishes horizontal tracking input 60 fromdisplay 30.

Wireless communication device 20 includes front 40 with dedicated mainmenu button 210 located in a corner at an intersection of verticaltracking input 50 and horizontal tracking input 60. Dedicated main menubutton 210 can function as an escape button to a main menu whenselected.

With reference to FIG. 2, user interface navigation mechanism 10 willnow be described in use. To bring up a main menu on display 30, a userpresses dedicated main menu button 210. At step 300, a main menu isdisplayed or presented in display 30. A user moves/scrolls/navigatesvertically through vertically aligned items in main menu (and/orsub-menus) by pressing/touching up input 110 and down input 120 ofvertical tracking input 50, highlighting one of the vertical menu items.A user presses vertical selection point 130 to select a vertical menuitem. Accordingly, at step 310, vertical input is received by theinterface navigation mechanism 10 of the wireless communication device20, and, at step 320, a menu item is selected. A usermoves/scrolls/navigates horizontally through horizontally aligned items(or to bring up a horizontally disposed sub-menu) by pressing/touchingright input 190 (and/or left input 180) of horizontal tracking input 60,highlighting one of the horizontal menu items (or activating ahorizontally disposed sub-menu). A user presses horizontal selectionpoint 200 to select a horizontal menu item (or activate a horizontallydisposed sub-menu). Accordingly, at step 330, horizontal input isreceived by the interface navigation mechanism 10 of the wirelesscommunication device 20, and, at step 340, a menu item is selected.

In a similar manner, a cursor or other object can be moved arounddisplay 30 using vertical tracking input 50 and horizontal trackinginput 60.

Thus, user interface navigation mechanism 10 overcomes the problems withtouch-screen interfaces. User interface navigation mechanism 10 helpsprevent display 30 from becoming damaged, scratched, and/or soiledbecause contact with the screen is not required to provide input intothe computing device. Also, user interface navigation mechanism 10 isless expensive than touch-screen technology, reducing the cost of thepersonal computing device. Further, user interface navigation mechanism10 is intuitive being situated adjacent to the display, easy to use,unique, functional, and enhances the user experience.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communicationdevice 450 that may be used in connection with various embodimentsdescribed herein. For example, the wireless communication device 450 maybe a wireless communication device having the aforementioned userinterface navigation mechanism 10. However, other wireless communicationdevices and/or architectures may also be used, as will be clear to thoseskilled in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, wireless communication device 450comprises an antenna system 455, a radio system 460, a baseband system465, a speaker 464, a microphone 470, a central processing unit (“CPU”)485, a data storage area 490, and a hardware interface 495. In thewireless communication device 450, radio frequency (“RF”) signals aretransmitted and received over the air by the antenna system 455 underthe management of the radio system 460.

In one embodiment, the antenna system 455 may comprise one or moreantennae and one or more multiplexors (not shown) that perform aswitching function to provide the antenna system 455 with transmit andreceive signal paths. In the receive path, received RF signals can becoupled from a multiplexor to a low noise amplifier (not shown) thatamplifies the received RF signal and sends the amplified signal to theradio system 460.

In alternative embodiments, the radio system 460 may comprise one ormore radios that are configured to communication over variousfrequencies. In one embodiment, the radio system 460 may combine ademodulator (not shown) and modulator (not shown) in one integratedcircuit (“IC”). The demodulator and modulator can also be separatecomponents. In the incoming path, the demodulator strips away the RFcarrier signal leaving a baseband receive audio signal, which is sentfrom the radio system 460 to the baseband system 465.

If the received signal contains audio information, then baseband system465 decodes the signal and converts it to an analog signal. Then thesignal is amplified and sent to the speaker 470. The baseband system 465also receives analog audio signals from the microphone 480. These analogaudio signals are converted to digital signals and encoded by thebaseband system 465. The baseband system 465 also codes the digitalsignals for transmission and generates a baseband transmit audio signalthat is routed to the modulator portion of the radio system 460. Themodulator mixes the baseband transmit audio signal with an RF carriersignal generating an RF transmit signal that is routed to the antennasystem and may pass through a power amplifier (not shown). The poweramplifier amplifies the RF transmit signal and routes it to the antennasystem 455 where the signal is switched to the antenna port fortransmission.

The baseband system 465 is also communicatively coupled with the centralprocessing unit 485. The central processing unit 485 has access to adata storage area 490. The central processing unit 485 is preferablyconfigured to execute instructions (i.e., computer programs or software)that can be stored in the data storage area 490. Computer programs canalso be received from the baseband processor 465 and stored in the datastorage area 490 or executed upon receipt. Such computer programs, whenexecuted, enable the wireless communication device 450 to perform thevarious functions of the present invention as previously described. Forexample, data storage area 490 may include various software modules (notshown) to perform the functions described above with respect to FIG. 2.

In this description, the term “computer readable medium” is used torefer to any media used to provide executable instructions (e.g.,software and computer programs) to the wireless communication device 450for execution by the central processing unit 485. Examples of thesemedia include the data storage area 490, microphone 470 (via thebaseband system 465), antenna system 455 (also via the baseband system465), and hardware interface 495. These computer readable mediums aremeans for providing executable code, programming instructions, andsoftware to the wireless communication device 450. The executable code,programming instructions, and software, when executed by the centralprocessing unit 485, preferably cause the central processing unit 485 toperform the inventive features and functions previously describedherein.

The central processing unit 485 is also preferably configured to receivenotifications from the hardware interface 495 when new devices aredetected by the hardware interface. Hardware interface 495 can be acombination electromechanical detector with controlling software thatcommunicates with the CPU 485 and interacts with new devices. Thehardware interface 495 may be a firewire port, a USB port, a Bluetoothor infrared wireless unit, or any of a variety of wired or wirelessaccess mechanisms. Examples of hardware that may be linked with thedevice 450 include data storage devices, computing devices, headphones,microphones, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system 550that may be used in connection with various embodiments describedherein. For example, the computer system 550 may be used in conjunctionwith a computer having the aforementioned user interface navigationmechanism 10. However, other computer systems and/or architectures maybe used, as will be clear to those skilled in the art.

The computer system 550 preferably includes one or more processors, suchas processor 552. Additional processors may be provided, such as anauxiliary processor to manage input/output, an auxiliary processor toperform floating point mathematical operations, a special-purposemicroprocessor having an architecture suitable for fast execution ofsignal processing algorithms (e.g., digital signal processor), a slaveprocessor subordinate to the main processing system (e.g., back-endprocessor), an additional microprocessor or controller for dual ormultiple processor systems, or a coprocessor. Such auxiliary processorsmay be discrete processors or may be integrated with the processor 552.

The processor 552 is preferably connected to a communication bus 554.The communication bus 554 may include a data channel for facilitatinginformation transfer between storage and other peripheral components ofthe computer system 550. The communication bus 554 further may provide aset of signals used for communication with the processor 552, includinga data bus, address bus, and control bus (not shown). The communicationbus 554 may comprise any standard or non-standard bus architecture suchas, for example, bus architectures compliant with industry standardarchitecture (“ISA”), extended industry standard architecture (“EISA”),Micro Channel Architecture (“MCA”), peripheral component interconnect(“PCI”) local bus, or standards promulgated by the Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) including IEEE 488general-purpose interface bus (“GPIB”), IEEE 696/S-100, and the like.

Computer system 550 preferably includes a main memory 556 and may alsoinclude a secondary memory 558. The main memory 556 provides storage ofinstructions and data for programs executing on the processor 552. Themain memory 556 is typically semiconductor-based memory such as dynamicrandom access memory (“DRAM”) and/or static random access memory(“SRAM”). Other semiconductor-based memory types include, for example,synchronous dynamic random access memory (“SDRAM”), Rambus dynamicrandom access memory (“RDRAM”), ferroelectric random access memory(“FRAM”), and the like, including read only memory (“ROM”).

The secondary memory 558 may optionally include a hard disk drive 560and/or a removable storage drive 562, for example a floppy disk drive, amagnetic tape drive, a compact disc (“CD”) drive, a digital versatiledisc (“DVD”) drive, etc. The removable storage drive 562 reads fromand/or writes to a removable storage medium 564 in a well-known manner.Removable storage medium 564 may be, for example, a floppy disk,magnetic tape, CD, DVD, etc.

The removable storage medium 564 is preferably a computer readablemedium having stored thereon computer executable code (i.e., software)and/or data. The computer software or data stored on the removablestorage medium 564 is read into the computer system 550 as electricalcommunication signals 578.

In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 558 may include othersimilar means for allowing computer programs or other data orinstructions to be loaded into the computer system 550. Such means mayinclude, for example, an external storage medium 572 and an interface570. Examples of external storage medium 572 may include an externalhard disk drive or an external optical drive, or and externalmagneto-optical drive.

Other examples of secondary memory 558 may include semiconductor-basedmemory such as programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable read-onlymemory (“EEPROM”), or flash memory (block oriented memory similar toEEPROM). Also included are any other removable storage units 572 andinterfaces 570, which allow software and data to be transferred from theremovable storage unit 572 to the computer system 550.

Computer system 550 may also include a communication interface 574. Thecommunication interface 574 allows software and data to be transferredbetween computer system 550 and external devices (e.g. printers),networks, or information sources. For example, computer software orexecutable code may be transferred to computer system 550 from a networkserver via communication interface 574. Examples of communicationinterface 574 include a modem, a network interface card (“NIC”), acommunications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, an infrared interface, andan IEEE 1394 fire-wire, just to name a few.

Communication interface 574 preferably implements industry promulgatedprotocol standards, such as Ethernet IEEE 802 standards, Fiber Channel,digital subscriber line (“DSL”), asynchronous digital subscriber line(“ADSL”), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (“ATM”), integrateddigital services network (“ISDN”), personal communications services(“PCS”), transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (“TCP/IP”),serial line Internet protocol/point to point protocol (“SLIP/PPP”), andso on, but may also implement customized or non-standard interfaceprotocols as well.

Software and data transferred via communication interface 574 aregenerally in the form of electrical communication signals 578. Thesesignals 578 are preferably provided to communication interface 574 via acommunication channel 576. Communication channel 576 carries signals 578and can be implemented using a variety of wired or wirelesscommunication means including wire or cable, fiber optics, conventionalphone line, cellular phone link, wireless data communication link, radiofrequency (RF) link, or infrared link, just to name a few.

Computer executable code (i.e., computer programs or software) is storedin the main memory 556 and/or the secondary memory 558. Computerprograms can also be received via communication interface 574 and storedin the main memory 556 and/or the secondary memory 558. Such computerprograms, when executed, enable the computer system 550 to perform thevarious functions of the present invention as previously described.

In this description, the term “computer readable medium” is used torefer to any media used to provide computer executable code (e.g.,software and computer programs) to the computer system 550. Examples ofthese media include main memory 556, secondary memory 558 (includinghard disk drive 560, removable storage medium 564, and external storagemedium 572), and any peripheral device communicatively coupled withcommunication interface 574 (including a network information server orother network device). These computer readable mediums are means forproviding executable code, programming instructions, and software to thecomputer system 550.

In an embodiment that is implemented using software, the software may bestored on a computer readable medium and loaded into computer system 550by way of removable storage drive 562, interface 570, or communicationinterface 574. In such an embodiment, the software is loaded into thecomputer system 550 in the form of electrical communication signals 578.The software, when executed by the processor 552, preferably causes theprocessor 552 to perform the inventive features and functions previouslydescribed herein.

Various embodiments may also be implemented primarily in hardware using,for example, components such as application specific integrated circuits(“ASICs”), or field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”). Implementationof a hardware state machine capable of performing the functionsdescribed herein will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevantart. Various embodiments may also be implemented using a combination ofboth hardware and software.

Furthermore, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the variousillustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and method stepsdescribed in connection with the above described figures and theembodiments disclosed herein can often be implemented as electronichardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearlyillustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, variousillustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have beendescribed above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether suchfunctionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon theparticular application and design constraints imposed on the overallsystem. Skilled persons can implement the described functionality invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the invention. In addition, the grouping of functions within amodule, block, circuit or step is for ease of description. Specificfunctions or steps can be moved from one module, block or circuit toanother without departing from the invention.

Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and methodsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can beimplemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digitalsignal processor (“DSP”), an ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logicdevice, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components,or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions describedherein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor can be any processor, controller,microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implementedas a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of aDSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or moremicroprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

Additionally, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connectionwith the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly inhardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in acombination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory,flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, harddisk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage mediumincluding a network storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can becoupled to the processor such the processor can read information from,and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, thestorage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor and thestorage medium can also reside in an ASIC.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enableany person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Variousmodifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can beapplied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description anddrawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment ofthe invention and are therefore representative of the subject matterwhich is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is furtherunderstood that the scope of the present invention fully encompassesother embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the artand that the scope of the present invention is accordingly limited bynothing other than the appended claims.

1. A user interface navigation mechanism for a non-touch screen displayof a computing device, the computing device including a top, a bottom, aleft side, a right side, a front, a rear, the non-touch screen displaydisposed in the front of the computing device and including a top, abottom, a left side, a right side, and the front of the computing deviceincluding a top margin between the top of the non-touch screen displayand the top of the computing device, a bottom margin between the bottomof the non-touch screen display and the bottom of the computing device,a left margin between the left of the non-touch screen display and theleft of the computing device, and a right margin between the right ofthe non-touch screen display and the right of the computing device, theuser interface navigation mechanism comprising: a vertical trackinginput disposed in the right margin, the vertical tracking inputincluding an up input, a down input, and a vertical selection point; ahorizontal tracking input disposed in the bottom margin, the horizontaltracking input including a left input, a right input, and a horizontalselection point; and a main menu input disposed in the front of thecomputing device.
 2. The user interface navigation mechanism of claim 1,wherein vertical tracking input includes at least one of resistive touchsensors, capacitive touch sensors, and inductive touch sensors.
 3. Theuser interface navigation mechanism of claim 1, wherein verticaltracking input includes at least one of mechanical buttons and keys. 4.The user interface navigation mechanism of claim 1, wherein horizontaltracking input includes at least one of resistive touch sensors,capacitive touch sensors, and inductive touch sensors.
 5. The userinterface navigation mechanism of claim 1, wherein horizontal trackinginput includes at least one of mechanical buttons and keys.
 6. The userinterface navigation mechanism of claim 1, further including at leastone illumination device and light pipe to illuminate the verticaltracking input and horizontal tracking input.
 7. A method of processinguser input on a user interface navigation mechanism for a non-touchscreen display of a computing device, the computing device including atop, a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front, a rear, the non-touchscreen display disposed in the front of the computing device andincluding a top, a bottom, a left side, a right side, and the front ofthe computing device including a top margin between the top of thenon-touch screen display and the top of the computing device, a bottommargin between the bottom of the non-touch screen display and the bottomof the computing device, a left margin between the left of the non-touchscreen display and the left of the computing device, and a right marginbetween the right of the non-touch screen display and the right of thecomputing device, a vertical tracking input disposed in the rightmargin, the vertical tracking input including an up input, a down input,and a vertical selection point, a horizontal tracking input disposed inthe bottom margin, the horizontal tracking input including a left input,a right input, and a horizontal selection point, and a main menu inputdisposed in the front of the computing device, the method comprising:presenting on the non-touch screen display a main menu based upon usercontact with the main menu input; navigating vertically through verticalmenu items in response to user contact with the up input and down inputof the vertical tracking input to highlight a vertical menu item;selecting the highlighted vertical menu item based upon user contactwith the vertical selection input; navigating horizontally throughhorizontal menu items in response to user contact with the left inputand right input of the horizontal tracking input to highlight ahorizontal menu item; selecting the highlighted horizontal menu itembased upon user contact with the horizontal selection input.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising receiving vertical tracking inputfrom at least one of resistive touch sensors, capacitive touch sensors,and inductive touch sensors.
 9. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising receiving vertical tracking input from at least one ofmechanical buttons and keys.
 10. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising receiving horizontal tracking input from least one ofresistive touch sensors, capacitive touch sensors, and inductive touchsensors.
 11. The method of claim 7, further comprising receivinghorizontal tracking input from least one of mechanical buttons and keys.12. The method of claim 7, further comprising illuminating the verticaltracking input and horizontal tracking input with least one illuminationdevice and light pipe.